California

Get the facts about hunger in California

Though many of us may not realize the grave disparities that exist in our own communities, people face hunger in every county and congressional district in California. They could be our neighbors, kids in our children's classes – the possibilities go on.

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What Hunger Looks Like in California

In California, 5,352,790 people are facing hunger - and of them 1,427,650 are children.

1 in 7 people

Illustration showing 7 stick figures in a row with one highlighted in green.

face hunger.

1 in 6 children face hunger.
People facing hunger in California are estimated to report needing $3,678,017,000 more per year to meet their food needs.

The average cost of a meal in California is $3.63. Data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study. Learn more ›


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California

Charitable programs are unable to fully support those facing hunger. The combination of charity and government assistance programs are necessary to help bridge the meal gap.

SNAP, formerly food stamps, provides temporary help for people going through hard times – providing supplemental money to buy food until they can get back on their feet.

In California,

49.2% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children
$5,977,281,299
distributed through
SNAP generated
$10,161,378,208 in economic activity*.

*Economists estimate that every dollar a household redeems through SNAP generates about $1.70 in economic activity.


Make a Difference in California

Volunteer in California

The Feeding America network is able to reach 40 million people, largely thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Our communities are stronger when we join together – help give your neighbors a hand up by volunteering at your local food bank.

Pledge to volunteer ›

Become an Advocate

To make progress toward ending hunger in California, we need to make sure our lawmakers in Washington are fighting for those struggling back home. You can help make sure they see how great the need is in California – call on lawmakers to make ending hunger a priority.

Contact your member of Congress today ›

18 Food Banks that serve California

Food banks serve large areas and will be able to find a feeding program in your local community.

Central California Food Bank

Central California Food Bank

4010 E. Amendola Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
559.237.2527

ccfoodbank.org/ 

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

80 Coromar Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
805.967.5741

foodbanksbc.org/ 

FIND Food Bank

FIND Food Bank

83775 Citrus Ave
Indio, CA 92201
760.775.3663

www.findfoodbank.org/ 

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

1734 E. 41st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90058
323.234.3030

www.lafoodbank.org 

Second Harvest of the Greater Valley

Second Harvest of the Greater Valley

1220 Vanderbilt Cir
Manteca, CA 95337
209.239.2091

www.localfoodbank.org/ 

Alameda County Community Food Bank

Alameda County Community Food Bank

7900 Edgewater Drive
P.O. Box 2599
Oakland, CA 94621
510.635.3663

www.accfb.org/ 

Food Share, Inc.

Food Share, Inc.

4156 Southbank Road
Oxnard, CA 93036
805.983.7100

foodshare.com/ 

Feeding the Foothills

Feeding the Foothills

8284 Industrial Ave
Roseville, CA 95678
916.783.0481

feedingthefoothills.org/ 

Feeding San Diego

Feeding San Diego

9477 Waples Street, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121
858.452.3663

feedingsandiego.org/ 

SF-Marin Food Bank

SF-Marin Food Bank

900 Pennsylvania Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94107
415.282.1900

www.sfmfoodbank.org 

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

750 Curtner Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
408.266.8866

www.SHFB.org 

Redwood Empire Food Bank

Redwood Empire Food Bank

3990 Brickway Blvd
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707.523.7900

refb.org/ 

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

800 Ohlone Parkway
Watsonville, CA 95076
831.722.7110

www.thefoodbank.org/ 

Food Bank of Northern Nevada

Food Bank of Northern Nevada

550 Italy Dr
Sparks, NV 89437
775.331.3663

fbnn.org/